THE Essendon District Football League can confirm it will introduce three brand new standalone Junior Girls competitions for the 2017 season.
The three competitions include Under 12s, Under 15s & Under 18s.
Currently, we have 20 EDFL clubs that have expressed interest in fielding Junior Girls teams and so far we estimate between 8-10 teams for each of the three grades.
The EDFL has recently been running a joint Junior Girls Competition with the WRFL.
But given the substantial growth of female participation we’ve experienced in the region, the two leagues have now agreed to go standalone.
“We thank the WRFL for what was a great experience to work alongside them in running our Junior Girls competitions,” EDFL CEO Marc Turri said.
“It is a very exciting time for female footy and we are very pleased to now have these new competitions fall under the banner for the EDFL.
“With the launch of the AFL Women’s competition in early 2017, we’re hopeful it will generate unprecedented interests among young girls who wish to take up our great game at their local EDFL club.”
THE EDFL is also exploring the potential for its own Senior Women’s competition with a number of Clubs already fielding sides and others expressing interest in introducing their own Senior Women’s side in coming seasons.
Footy is a great way for girls and women to make friends, keep active and learn new skills.
Female Football continues to grow at a rapid rate, meaning accessing a single gender team locally is easier than ever.
The participation pathway provides opportunities to players of all skill levels and aspirations, including exciting new talent development opportunities.
We encourage all EDFL clubs who are considering introducing new Junior Girls or Senior Women’s teams to contact the League for more information about how to join.
